American Idol Allison Iraheta

I don't promote American Idol. I like to watch it, but I'm too old to really get into it. That said, however, I actually sprang for this girl's debut CD, and I was not disappointed. Alison Iraheta did not win AI, but she should have. The girl has serious pipes.

Avatar

If, by chance, you haven't seen this movie yet, go see it. The plot was not a surprise--think "Dances With Wolves", but the world of Pandora is depicted on the screen in loving detail. If you do see it, try to see it in 3D. You won't be disappointed.

Upgrade!

I've upgraded my computer. It was time. I've had the other for five plus years--in computer years, that's pre-Jurassic. I bought one with a quad processor. Right now, I'm in awe. That won't stick, but it's nice while it lasts.

Friday Snippet, April 9, 2010

Been a long time since I posted a snippet of anything, current or past. This happens to be current--a short story I'm working on.

Rough draft. Please don't quote or repost.

Note: Any inaccuracies in sailing jargon would hopefully be fixed at final edit.
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"Sail ho!"

The crew rushed to the rails, peering across the water to catch a glimpse.

Katya felt a rush of premonition. Dread weighted her muscles. She turned and sprinted for her spyglass. When she turned it to rear quarter, leeward, sails sprang to life in her vision. The sails were frayed and tattered--something no shipmaster worth his salt would ever allow. She searched the deck of the vessel under those sails, looking for any signs of life. There were none that she could see. The ship ran silent and dark. More important than that, she ran against the wind that filled the Dragon's sails.

She lowered the spyglass and squinted, then raised the glass again. Yes, she hadn't been mistaken. Dark clouds massed behind that ship. She turned. Rian, never far from her side, awaited orders.

"Bring her about and take in those sails!" Katya said.

Rian turned, instantly relaying her orders without question.

"All hands on deck!" he bellowed. "Show her our heels! Reef the topsails! Haul up the mainsail!"

"Chief!"

Rian turned his head. "Aye, Cap'n."

"Bring out the grapeshot," she said.

Spring is Sprung...

I'll have to post a picture. My forsythia bushes are sunny yellow, and my gorgeous crimson tulips are blooming. Jonquils wave in the breeze. Okay, more of a rain-laden blast at the moment, but still. Best of all, it's been warm.

I've written a short story that needs work, and I'm working on another. I think I'm putting off working on the novel by writing them. Need to stop slacking.

Friday, I hope to put up a snippet. Been awhile since I've done that.